How To Check If A Septic Tank Is Good? (Solution)

How often should you get your septic tank checked?

Septic tanks should be checked for buildup every 1 to 3 years until you can get on a predictable pumping schedule. Most septic tanks need pumping every 3 to 5 years. How often depends on the size of the tank, the number of people in the household, and the amount and type of solids entering the tank.

How do I test my septic tank?

The inspector may use a dye test during this part of their inspection. In a dye test, the inspector will introduce dye into the water that is being drained to see how much of it enters the septic tank. From there, the septic tank will get pumped and the inspector will check for any backflow from the absorption area.

How do you know if your septic tank is bad?

8 Signs of Septic System Failure

Septic System Backup.
Slow Drains.

Gurgling Sounds.
Pool of Water or Dampness Near Drainfield.
Nasty Odors.

Unusual, Bright Green Grass Above Drainfield.
Blooms of Algae in Nearby Water.
High Levels of Coliform in Water Well.

How do you know if your septic tank needs to be replaced?

5 Signs it’s Time to Replace Your Septic System

Age of the System. It’s pretty common for a septic system to last 40 years or longer, which means if you buy a new home, you might never need to replace it.

You’ve Outgrown the System.
Slow Drains.
Standing Water in the Yard.

Nearby Contaminated Water Sources.

How long do septic tanks last?

A septic system’s lifespan should be anywhere from 15 to 40 years. How long the system lasts depends on a number of factors, including construction material, soil acidity, water table, maintenance practices, and several others.

How do I check my septic tanks sludge level?

To measure the sludge layer:

Slowly lower the tube into the septic tank until it touches the bottom of the tank.
As the device is slowly pulled out of the water, the check valve closes capturing a liquid/solid profile of the septic tank water. The thickness of the sludge layer can be measured.

Do septic tanks wear out?

Unfortunately, septic systems don’t last forever. With regular maintenance and pumping, your septic system can last many years. However, after decades of wear and tear, the system will need to be replaced.

What is the most common cause of septic system failure?

Most septic systems fail because of inappropriate design or poor maintenance. Some soil-based systems (those with a drain field) are installed at sites with inadequate or inappropriate soils, excessive slopes, or high ground water tables.

What will ruin a septic system?

Any paper products like tissues, paper towels, tampons, or sanitary products, even some heavier toilet paper, will clog your system if you flush enough of it. Wet wipes are another product that you should never flush into a septic system.

How often should you pump your septic tank?

Inspect and Pump Frequently The average household septic system should be inspected at least every three years by a septic service professional. Household septic tanks are typically pumped every three to five years.

How do I know if my drain field is failing?

The following are a few common signs of leach field failure:

Grass over leach field is greener than the rest of the yard.
The surrounding area is wet, mushy, or even has standing water.

Sewage odors around drains, tank, or leach field.
Slow running drains or backed up plumbing.

Can a septic system last forever?

How long does a septic system last? On average, a new septic system will last for 20-30 years. Soil quality – the quality of soil will determine how durable your septic tank is. For instance, acidic groundwater can corrode a concrete septic tank.

Septic Inspections When Buying or Selling a Home

Repairing a drainfield is not a simple task, but it is feasible if you contact an expert plumber or septic system technician.

What is a septic system?

One in every five homes in the United States is equipped with a septic system, yet you’d be shocked how many people are unaware of what they are. A septic system is a system that is designed to remove waste from a home or building. During normal operation, it collects and filters water and garbage from the washer, sinks, showers, and toilets before returning it to the sink. The mechanism then re-distributes the energy back into the earth. The entire procedure contributes to the reduction of water and soil pollution.

How often should you get a septic inspection?

The majority of specialists agree that you should get your septic tank examined at least once every three to five years. The examination normally takes place around the same time that you should have your septic tank pumped by a professional septic tank cleaning provider. In order to keep your septic tank healthy and in excellent functioning order, it is required to pump it regularly. Even though professionals recommend that homeowners get their septic tanks tested every five years, many homeowners wait considerably longer than this period.

At that point, inspectors will frequently recommend that you repair or replace your septic system, which can cost thousands of dollars if not done properly.

How is a septic inspection done?

Septic inspections may be divided into two categories.

Visual Inspections

If you are buying or selling a home, the home inspector will most likely do a visual assessment of the property. In order to do a visual examination, a few questions must be asked, such as the age of the house, how often the owner pumps the septic system, and when the previous inspection was performed. The inspector will next flush all of the toilets in the house and run all of the water in the house to ensure that the water pressure is enough and that everything is draining correctly. At the end of the inspection, the inspector will walk out to the drain field to ensure that there is no standing water, which might indicate the presence of a cesspool.

Full Inspections

A thorough inspection contains all that a visual inspection does, but it also goes above and beyond that level of service. This is the inspection you’ll want to have done every three to five years, at the absolute least. Inspectors will remove the lid from the septic tank and assess the amount of water in the tank during a comprehensive examination. The level of the water might indicate whether or not the water is draining adequately. The inspector will next run water through the home to ensure that it is correctly draining from the house to the septic tank and that the water level within the tank does not rise as a result of the additional water being introduced into the system.

Dye tests are conducted to determine how much dye is incorporated into the water that is draining and how much of it makes its way into the sewage treatment plant.

Inspecting the backflow level will reveal whether or not there is an issue with your drain field.

It is therefore necessary to check the flow level once again to ensure that every part of the septic system is functioning properly and that there are no obstructions. Morse Engineering and Construction can provide you with further information. Source:listwithclever.com

Septic System Inspections

Nick Gromicko, CMI®, and Kenton Shepard wrote this article. A septic system is a system that collects, processes, and disposes of waste water and solids that are generated by a building’s plumbing system. When the solids are partially broken down into sludge, they are separated from the liquid effluent (water) and scum in a septic tank (fat, oil and grease). Effluent is discharged from the tank on a regular basis into a drainfield, where it is naturally filtered by microorganisms and re-enters the groundwater supply.

The septic system should be tested at least once a year, and it should be done immediately before putting the house on the market for sale.

Prospective home buyers who have not recently had their septic system checked should insist on having the system checked before they acquire the property, since it is in their best interests.

When it comes time to examine or pump the tank, this is typically not a problem.

The placement of the tank should be depicted on a “as-built” design of the home. These designs are frequently kept on file by municipal health and zoning departments. It is possible that older systems do not have such a record. It is possible to get in touch with the prior owner

Modern tanks are equipped with risers that protrude clearly above the ground surface. It is possible to probe a suspicious location using a thin metal rod that has been placed into the soil. It is critical to do this carefully and only on soft, damp soil in order to prevent harming the tank and its accompanying pipelines. Another option is to use a shovel, although this will need a little more effort. If a sufficient number of tank components are made of metal, a metal detector can be utilized. A tiny radio transmitter that can be flushed down the toilet and followed by a receiver can be used to communicate. The grass that grows the most lushly in a yard is frequently seen just over the sewage tank. Snow melts more quickly above the tank than it does in the rest of the yard. While they are not failsafe techniques of finding a place, they have been shown to be beneficial in the past.

What kinds of things may InterNACHI inspectors be looking for?

Find out when the tank was last pumped by looking at the date on the tank. The sludge level should ultimately indicate if a tank has to be pumped, although having a record of past pumping dates might be useful as a reference. Using a “sludge judge” or a similar instrument, determine the amount of sludge present. It is normal for sludge to collect on the tank bottom, but it should not take up more than one-third of the tank’s total capacity or climb to the level of the baffles. The septic tank and drainfield should be located far away from wells and streams, for obvious reasons. Make certain that the system is large enough to accommodate the household it serves. A 1,200-gallon tank is normally required for a four-bedroom house, for example. The number of people that live in the house determines the size of the tank that is necessary. The tank’s capacity in gallons may be computed based on the size of the tank. For rectangular tanks, the capacity in gallons is equal to the product of the length, breadth, and depth in feet multiplied by 7.5. For circular tanks, the capacity in gallons is calculated as 3.14 times the radius squared x the depth in feet multiplied by 7.5. Check the ground surface for any liquid waste that has found its way to the surface. This is an unclean state that signals that the system is overburdened and needs to be repaired. In order to prevent wastewater contamination of groundwater and groundwater from flowing into the tank and causing it to overfill, make certain that it is waterproof. The presence of a riser lid should be checked for cracks and the integrity of the lid should be checked as well. Check to see that the baffles are securely attached to the tank’s inlet and exit pipes. It is recommended that each drain line receives the same quantity of wastewater. By opening the distribution box, you will be able to see what they are made of. If the box becomes tipped or blocked, it will distribute effluent in an excessively large amount, and it may even flood areas of the drainfield.

In a septic tank, baffles are components that restrict wastewater entry to a sufficient degree to guarantee that particles are distilled and that solids (as well as scum) are not discharged into the drainfield. It is via this process that they are able to protect the soil’s absorptive quality and hence extend the life of the entire system. They are often constructed of the same materials as the septic tank, which might be fiberglass, steel, or concrete in construction. Inspectors should look for the following things in baffles:

The baffle is covered in solids. This should be reported as soon as possible because it implies overflow. There is evidence of prior overflow due to chemical and water erosion. Ideally, the sewage level should be several inches below the baffle top of the drain. A lower level implies leakage, whereas a greater level indicates obstruction.

Inspectors should be familiar with the following facts so that they may advise their clients about the various ways in which they might cause harm to their septic system:

The only thing that can be flushed down the toilet is bath tissue. Tampons, paper towels, cigarette butts, and diapers should all be disposed of in the garbage. In order to prevent microorganisms in the septic system from being damaged by household chemicals such as gasoline, paint, medicine, antifreeze, or pesticides from being flushed, they should never be put down the toilet or down the sink. In little volumes, detergents and bleach can make their way into the plumbing system. There should be no driving on or near the drainfield unless absolutely necessary. Their weight might cause damage to subsurface plumbing without them realizing it. There should be no other vegetation grown over the septic tank and drainfield. Roots from trees and huge bushes can create harm that is not visible. People are not permitted to excavate or construct structures on top of a drainfield. Ensure that any water drainage from rains, sump pumps, or any other source of surface water is routed away from the drainfield. An over-saturated drainfield can cause the water treatment process to be slowed down and plumbing fittings to get clogged. Fixing leaking faucets and toilets as soon as they occur is a simple method to extend the life of a septic system and avoid having to pay for an expensive replacement. Any waste of water in the home should be avoided at all costs. Taking shorter showers and avoiding using the garbage disposal are two examples of strategies to conserve water.

It is not recommended that inspectors enter the septic tank to search for cracks. Tank interiors are extremely filthy, and entering should be avoided at all costs. The fracture will most likely be located at the level of the effluent, which will have drained from the tank via the crack if one is there. An effluent level that is much lower than the level of the tank outflow is a clear indicator of the presence of a fracture. A tank that has flaws that enable sewage to escape into the surrounding soil is effectively a cesspool and should be removed as soon as possible
If the water comes from the tank, it indicates that the septic system is overburdened and has to be repaired. Sometimes, inspectors will use a dye that is flushed down the toilet to confirm that the water is coming from the residence and not from somewhere else. Despite the fact that this metric might be beneficial, it is not an accepted means of testing the operation of a septic system. A malfunctioning septic system will be confirmed if dye from the flushed dye shows in the puddle

However, a working septic system is not guaranteed if dye does not appear. It may take many days for the dye to develop, and it may be too diluted to see properly
It is outside the scope of a standard house inspection to evaluate a septic system, and this needs specialized skills. Laws differ from one jurisdiction to the next, and inspectors should be well-versed in them before providing this job. They should disclaim all responsibility for any component of the septic system examination that they did not do

Septic systems are meant to manage hazardous waste, and they may pose major health risks to both residents and inspectors if they are not properly maintained. Precautions include the following, in no particular order:

Solid waste should be removed from septic tanks by a professional septic tank pumping service, not by an inspector. No one else should be allowed to enter a tank unless they are a licensed and properly equipped professional. Noxious gasses such as methane can induce asphyxiation and death in a matter of minutes. When a septic tank begins to exhibit indications of fragility, proceed with extreme caution! Collapse has the potential to be deadly. Keep an eye out for tanks with rusted metal, improvised lids, or anything else that seems to be in unsafe condition.

In conclusion, septic system inspections should be conducted on a yearly basis to verify that the system is operating properly. The septic tank is the most expensive household fixture, and it will have a much shorter lifespan if it is not properly cared for and maintained.

How to Care for Your Septic System

Septic system maintenance is neither difficult or expensive, and it does not have to be done frequently. The maintenance of a vehicle is comprised of four major components:

Inspect and pump your drainfield on a regular basis
Conserve water
Dispose of waste properly

And keep your drainfield in good condition.

Inspect and Pump Frequently

Inspection of the ordinary residential septic system should be performed by a septic service specialist at least once every three years. Household septic tanks are normally pumped every three to five years, depending on how often they are used. Alternative systems that use electrical float switches, pumps, or mechanical components should be examined more frequently, typically once a year, to ensure that they are in proper working order.

Because alternative systems contain mechanical components, it is essential to have a service contract. The frequency with which a septic tank is pumped is influenced by four key factors:

The size of the household

The total amount of wastewater produced
The amount of solids present in wastewater
The size of the septic tank

Service provider coming? Here is what you need to know.

When you contact a septic service provider, he or she will inspect your septic tank for leaks as well as the scum and sludge layers that have built up over time. Maintain detailed records of any maintenance work conducted on your septic system. Because of the T-shaped outlet on the side of your tank, sludge and scum will not be able to escape from the tank and travel to the drainfield region. A pumping is required when the bottom of the scum layer or the top of the sludge layer is within six inches of the bottom of the outlet, or if the top of the sludge layer is within 12 inches of the bottom of the outlet.

In the service report for your system, the service provider should mention the completion of repairs as well as the condition of the tank.

An online septic finder from the National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association (NOWRA) makes it simple to identify service specialists in your region.

Use Water Efficiently

In a normal single-family house, the average indoor water consumption is about 70 gallons per person, per day, on average. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on the situation. The septic system is responsible for disposing of all of the water that a residence sends down its pipes. The more water that is conserved in a household, the less water that enters the sewage system. A septic system that is operated efficiently will operate more efficiently and will have a lower chance of failure.

Approximately 70 gallons of indoor water are consumed by each individual in a normal single-family house on a daily basis. A single leaking or running toilet can waste as much as 200 gallons of water each day, depending on how often it occurs. Septic systems collect and treat all of the water that a household sends down its pipes. When a family conserves water, less water is discharged into a storm drain or into the septic tank. Improved septic system performance and reduced failure risk are two benefits of water conservation. With the Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense program, you may conserve water in a variety of ways and buy goods that are more water-efficient.

Properly Dispose of Waste

Everything that goes down your drains, whether it’s flushed down the toilet, ground up in the trash disposal, or poured down the sink, shower, or bath, ends up in your septic system, which is where it belongs. What you flush down the toilet has an impact on how effectively your septic system functions.

Toilets aren’t trash cans!

Your septic system is not a garbage disposal system. A simple rule of thumb is to never flush anything other than human waste and toilet paper down the toilet. Never flush a toilet:

Cooking grease or oil

Wipes that are not flushable, such as baby wipes or other wet wipes
Photographic solutions
Feminine hygiene items Condoms

Medical supplies such as dental floss and disposable diapers, cigarette butts and coffee grounds, cat litter and paper towels, pharmaceuticals, and household chemicals such as gasoline and oil, insecticides, antifreeze, and paint or paint thinners

Toilet Paper Needs to Be Flushed! Check out this video, which demonstrates why the only item you should flush down your toilet are toilet paper rolls.

Think at the sink!

Your septic system is made up of a collection of living organisms that digest and treat the waste generated by your household. Pouring pollutants down your drain can kill these organisms and cause damage to your septic system as well as other things. Whether you’re at the kitchen sink, the bathtub, or the utility sink, remember the following:

If you have a clogged drain, avoid using chemical drain openers. To prevent this from happening, use hot water or a drain snake
Never dump cooking oil or grease down the sink or toilet. It is never a good idea to flush oil-based paints, solvents, or huge quantities of harmful cleansers down the toilet. Even latex paint waste should be kept to a bare minimum. Disposal of rubbish should be avoided or limited to a minimum. Fats, grease, and particles will be considerably reduced in your septic tank, reducing the likelihood of your drainfield being clogged.

Own a recreational vehicle (RV), boat or mobile home?

If you have ever spent any time in an RV or boat, you are undoubtedly familiar with the issue of aromas emanating from sewage holding tanks.

The National Small Flows Clearinghouse’s Septic System Care hotline, which may be reached toll-free at 800-624-8301, has a factsheet on safe wastewater disposal for RV, boat, and mobile home owners and operators.

Maintain Your Drainfield

It is critical that you maintain the integrity of your drainfield, which is a component of your septic system that filters impurities from the liquid that emerges from your septic tank once it has been installed.

Here are some things you should do to keep it in good condition:

Parking: Do not park or drive on your drainfield at any time. Plan your tree plantings so that their roots do not grow into your drainfield or septic system. An experienced septic service provider can recommend the appropriate distance for your septic tank and surrounding landscaping, based on your specific situation. Locating Your Drainfield: Keep any roof drains, sump pumps, and other rainfall drainage systems away from the drainfield area. Excess water causes the wastewater treatment process to slow down or halt completely.

Buying a House? Make Sure You Get a Septic System Inspection!

If you are in the process of purchasing a home, you are aware that there are several phases involved in the process. You put money together for a down payment, go to open houses, chat to sellers and real estate agents, and ultimately discover a place you love to call home. The exciting part is about to begin. There are several steps involved: making an offer, getting pre-approval, scheduling a home inspection, and eventually, after heaps of paperwork, claiming ownership of the property. But hold on a minute!

You might be asking why you would need to get your septic system inspected.
Septic systems that are in poor working order can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars to repair or replace.

When a roof leak occurs or a break in the foundation occurs, you would want to be aware of the situation.
“All OK, but I’ve already completed a house inspection and a dye test.” “Doesn’t that suffice?” While these inspections may be sufficient to meet the criteria of a lender, they are insufficient to provide a full evaluation of a septic system.

What is a septic system inspection?

Performing a septic system inspection entails a thorough examination of all of the components of a septic system. The inspector will determine the location and condition of the septic tank, distribution box, and absorption area and make recommendations. In this process, he will uncover and evaluate all of the mechanical and electrical components of the system, including septic lines, baffles and filters, pumps and floats, alarms, and so on. During the inspection, he will open the septic tank (digging up the lids, if required) in order to check the wastewater sources from the home to the septic tank and physically inspect the septic tank at its operational level, according to the manufacturer’s specifications.

If the home has been vacant for an extended period of time or if the number of people living in the home is expected to increase, the inspector will conduct a hydraulic load test to determine whether the septic system’s absorption area is capable of handling the anticipated daily wastewater volume of the home buyer’s family.

For septic systems in Pennsylvania, this implies that the inspector must have received training and certification from the Pennsylvania Septage Management Association (PSMA), which has created a set of requirements for an objective septic system assessment.

Each PSMA septic system inspection finishes with the delivery of a thorough report.

However, while this analysis does not provide a guarantee, the findings drawn from it may be able to save you thousands of dollars in septic system repairs or replacement.

If you do not have a PSMA inspection and report, you run the danger of inheriting the financial burden of substantial septic system repairs or perhaps the installation of a whole new system completely.

Septic System Inspection vs. Home Inspection

Inspections of the inside and exterior of a home are performed by professionals who are well-versed in the identification of typical faults. They will inform you if there are any evident issues with the roof, windows, electrical system, interior plumbing, foundation, or any other visible components of the house. A house inspection, on the other hand, is just a visual assessment that is non-invasive. Consequently, house inspectors only report on the components of the home that they can physically see, and nothing else.

This implies that the septic system is not included in the scope of a standard house inspection.
There is a good chance that they may flush the toilets a few times to ensure that the system is not actively backing up, and they may even remove the cover from the septic tank (if they can find it).
How can a home inspector tell you what condition your septic tank is in if there isn’t a pump truck available to empty it?

Despite the fact that home inspectors are well-versed in many aspects of the property, they are neither equipped nor prepared to conduct a thorough examination of a septic system.
Rely on a PSMA inspector that specializes in septic systems to provide you with the most thorough and insightful septic system inspection available.

Septic System Inspection vs. Dye Test

Dyes are used in a dye test to check that wastewater is appropriately routed into the septic tank and not elsewhere on the land. Dyes are brightly colored and non-toxic, and they are safe to use. In layman’s terms, a dye test demonstrates that water can travel from point A to point B. At the time of a dye test, a technician will flush dye tablets down the toilet and down the drain, check to verify that the right wastewater sources are entering the septic tank, and walk about the property looking for dye.

In the absence of a dye test, it is impossible to determine the size or condition of a septic tank.

Dye tests provide little information on the operation of critical septic system components such as baffles, pumps, floats, and alarms, among others.

When purchasing a property, don’t take a chance on a future filled with septic system failures and expensive repairs.

For a complete septic system inspection, rely on the PSMA-certified inspectors at Hapchuk, Inc. to conduct the work for you. Our professionals will supply you with all of the information and help you want in order to confidently acquire a house that has a septic system installed.

5 Signs You Should Have Your Septic Tank Pumped

The majority of households do not devote much effort to thinking about their septic system. After all, who can blame them?! However, if this leads in a lack of attention, it may become a serious problem. When installed and maintained properly, every septic system has the potential to efficiently handle waste for many decades. Were you able to pick out the crucial word “if” in the above sentence? If a septic system is properly maintained, it will continue to operate at peak performance for decades!

There are numerous critical components to developing a successful septic system maintenance plan.
The majority of specialists recommend that you pump your septic tank every 3 to 5 years.

In the event that a septic system is not adequately maintained, there are several tell-tale indicators that suggest the onset of a problem.
Sluggish Drains and/or Flushing are required.
Your sink, tub, or shower will most likely stop draining as soon as they should, and your toilet may not flush as thoroughly as it should if your septic system is beginning to back up.

Take action now before this develops into a far more serious and expensive situation.
Some of these gases may begin to originate from your toilet or drains within your home at certain periods.

If you begin to detect unpleasant scents in and around your house, contact a septic service right once to get the situation resolved before it becomes much worse.

It should not be the case that the lawn above a septic drain field seems noticeably better than the rest of the yard when the system is operating correctly.

This occurs because the grass is receiving more fertilizer in the form of excessive waste fluids, which is beneficial to the grass.

Water That Isn’t Moving It is possible to detect water gathering in numerous locations across your yard when your septic tank is nearly full.

It is a solid indicator that your septic system needs to be pumped and thoroughly inspected if you notice water collecting in these spots.

Back-up of Sewage Raw sewage backing up into a home is the most obvious symptom of a problem, and it is undoubtedly something that no one wants to encounter at any time in their lives.

If this occurs to you, contact a septic service as soon as possible and avoid the affected area.

The most effective approach to prevent having to deal with any of the unpleasant indicators listed above is to keep a regular pumping and inspection routine in place.

In addition to being a full-service septic maintenance and repair company, Athens Professional SepticDrain is well prepared to manage any sort of septic emergency that may occur.

Even yet, the most effective way to prevent disasters from occurring is to enroll in our regular service plan and ensure that your septic system is in peak operating condition.

How to Tell When Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying [Top 5 Warning Signs]

In the event that you are a homeowner, your septic tank is most likely one of the most vital components of your property. It’s also something you don’t want to think about all of the time, if at all possible. However, even if it is not on your attention at the time, there are several warning signals that may suggest a problem with your septic tank and the need to get it emptied as soon as possible. There is no need to be concerned if you are unsure of when your septic tank needs to be emptied!

The only thing you have to do is know what to look for.

Top 5 Signs Your Septic Tank Needs Emptying

Your septic tank is an important part of your house, and it should be examined on a regular basis for indicators that it may need to be emptied. The likelihood is high that your septic system need maintenance if you observe any of these tell-tale indications in the first place. An overflowing septic tank isn’t always as clear as it first appears! Here are some of the most typical warning signs that you have a septic tank that needs to be cleaned out:

Your Drains Are Taking Forever

It is essential that you frequently inspect your septic tank for any indicators that it may be overflowing and that it is draining properly. The likelihood is high that your septic system need maintenance if you see any of these telltale indicators. An overflowing septic tank is not always as visible as it appears. In order to determine whether or not your septic tank is full, these are some of the most typical warning signals to look for:

Standing Water Over Your Septic Tank

Is there water accumulating on top of your septic tank? Septic tanks that are accumulating water are an indication that they need to be pumped. Because there is nowhere else for the surplus water to go, it collects in your yard. A related issue to keep an eye out for is the overall health of your lawn. If water is accumulating around your septic tank, you may notice that the vegetation surrounding your sewage tank appears to be particularly healthy. Perhaps you’ve observed an overabundance of weeds or flowers blooming out of the vicinity.

Occasionally, this occurs prior to the water pooling.

Bad Smells Coming From Your Yard

Have you detected any bad scents in the recent past? Check to see whether they are emanating from your yard, and more especially, from your drainage field. It’s possible that you’re smelling sewage water! We recommend that you call us immediately if you notice any sewage stench. We can examine your septic tank. When your septic tank is nearly full, you will notice a distinct odor. e

You Hear Gurgling Water

In some cases, gurgling water might indicate the presence of a backlog in the making. In the event that you hear the sound of gurgling water coming from your pipes, this might indicate that your tank is becoming backed up and needs to be emptied.

You Have A Sewage Backup

It is every homeowner’s greatest fear to have sewage backing up into their house. If you are experiencing sewage backup, it is likely that your tank has not been completely emptied. This occurs when your waste water is having difficulty draining away from your home. Depending on how the wastewater got into your house, it might come up through your toilet and sink drains, or even your shower drain. Blockages are the root cause of sewage backups. When there is an excessive amount of food waste, septic tanks might become clogged.

It is also possible to cause a septic obstruction by flushing the improper objects down the toilet, such as feminine hygiene products or cat litter, for example.

During routine septic maintenance, we are able to discover obstructions. During a septic tank cleaning, we may eliminate the accumulation of waste. More information may be found at: What is the best way to clean out your septic tank?

Atlanta’s1 Trusted Septic Company

The Original Plumber provides service to the Atlanta metro region in Northern Georgia. We provide plumbing services for both business and residential properties. Maintaining your septic tank on a regular basis might help you avoid costly problems down the line. Everything from drain cleaning to sewage line repair is included in our services, so we can take care of all of your needs at the same time! We are familiar with the signs to watch for and can assist you in avoiding any unwanted tank repairs or expenditures.

We place a high importance on integrity and honesty, which is why we give upfront pricing so that there are no surprises.

Frequently Asked Questions

We recommend that you get your septic tank pumped on a regular basis, every three to five years. The Environmental Protection Agency has established this as the standard. Depending on the size of your tank and whether or not you use a garbage disposal, you may need to have your septic tank pumped more regularly. Not only will this service assist you in keeping your septic tank clean and healthy, but it will also allow us to discover any problems before they become a serious issue. Maintaining a routine might assist you in determining when it is necessary to empty your tank.

In the event that you have recently moved into a property and the previous owners did not disclose much information regarding your septic system, give us a call for ourseptic system inspectionservice.

We can assist you in determining all you need to know and determining whether or not you require maintenance.

What happens if you don’t empty your septic tank?

If you do not empty your septic tank on a regular basis, your waste will eventually become too much for your septic system to handle. Solids accumulate with time, and your tank can only carry a certain amount of them. You run the danger of experiencing a sewage backup as a result of this.

Do all septic tanks need emptying?

The tank in your septic system should be emptied every three to five years, regardless of the type of system you have installed. Septic tanks are constructed in such a way that heavier materials settle near the bottom of the tank, rather than the top. If the sludge layer becomes too thick, the solid waste will begin to seep into your drain field or leach field, causing it to overflow. This can result in obstructions in the drain field, which prevents the liquid from draining into the drainage system.

7 Signs Your Septic Tank Is Full & Needs Emptying

Septic tank ownership presents a set of issues that are distinct from other types of property ownership. The consequences of failing to empty your septic tank are slightly more significant than those of neglecting to empty your trash cans.

If you’ve had a septic tank for a long amount of time, you may have noticed that there are several tell-tale symptoms that your tank may need to be pumped out. If you’re new to having a septic tank, the symptoms listed below will be the most important things to keep an eye out for in the beginning.

How to tell your septic tank is full and needs emptying

Pooling water, slow drains, odors, an unusually healthy lawn, sewer backup, gurgling pipes, and difficulty flushing are all possible problems.

What Does A “Full” Septic Tank Mean?

Before we get into the seven warning signals you should be on the lookout for, it’s crucial to understand what it means to have a “full” tank. There are three alternative ways to define the term “full.” 1.Normal Level- This simply indicates that your septic tank is filled to the maximum capacity for which it was built. This implies that the intake and outtake valves are free of obstructions and allow waste and wastewater to flow into and out of the septic tank without interruption. When a tank is pumped, it is completely empty; nevertheless, when the tank is utilized, it returns to its typical level of “full.” 2.

Over time, sludge can accumulate and become entrapped in the system.
Waste water will continue to flow out of the building and into the drainage system.
An overfilled tank will eventually reach a point where the drainage field will no longer absorb water.

The water level will increase to the maximum capacity of the system.

1. POOLING WATER

Water pools accumulating around your septic tank’s drain field are the first item to watch out for while inspecting your system. This is a telltale indicator of a septic tank that has overflowed. It goes without saying that if it hasn’t rained in a while and you’re seeing a lot of water, it’s most likely due to your septic tank failing. Typically, this occurs when your tank is at capacity and there is solid water in the system, which causes it to malfunction. This will then drive the liquid to rise to the surface of the earth.

2. SLOW DRAINS

If you see your sink, bath, or toilet draining slowly, or if you notice any other draining slowly in your house, take note. A blockage in your septic system, or the fact that your system is completely full and has to be emptied, might be the cause of this. Slow drains, in either case, are a warning flag that should not be ignored. The first line of defense may be to employ a septic-friendly drain cleaner, but if the problem persists, it is advisable to have the septic tank drained completely.

3. ODOURS

Because all of the waste water from your home will be disposed of in your septic tank, you can be assured that it will not be a nice odor. And it will very certainly have a distinct fragrance that you will notice. In the event that you begin to notice odors surrounding your septic tank, this is another indication that it is either full or near to being full. It’s also possible that you have a leak, therefore it’s important to conduct a fast inspection.

The flip side of smells is that it will not just be you who will be able to detect them. It’s possible that your neighbors will voice their dissatisfaction as well. However, it is important to discover a remedy as soon as possible after realizing the problem.

4. A REALLY HEALTHY LAWN

A septic tank that is overflowing has a few beneficial effects. It’s possible that the grass atop your sewage tank is the healthiest patch of grass you’ve ever seen. It will outshine the other elements in your yard, allowing you to spot it more easily. If you do happen to discover this, it’s still another red flag to keep an eye out for. If it’s near your septic tank, it’s possible that water is seeping from your system, indicating that it’s either leaking or that it’s full. Whatever the case, it’s time to get it checked out.

5. SEWER BACKUP

The chances of missing this one are little to none, and it’s absolutely something you don’t want to happen. It’s the most evident, and it’s also the most detrimental. Always keep a watch on the lowest drains in your home, since if they begin to back up, you should get your tank emptied as soon as possible.

6: Gurgling Water

Unless you are aware of any gurgling sounds coming from your pipes, you should ignore them. This is especially true if they are dependable. This is another another indication that your septic tank is overflowing and needs to be drained.

7: Trouble Flushing

If you’re experiencing delayed drainage and you’re seeing that all of your toilets are straining to flush or have a weak flush, it’s possible that your septic tank is full. If this symptom is present in all of the toilets in your home, it indicates that the problem is more widespread than a local blockage.

The Important of Septic Tank EmptyingMaintenance

Maintaining a routine is the most effective way to determine when your tank needs to be emptied, and it is recommended. It’s a straightforward, yet effective, solution. If you can identify correct emptying intervals, it is possible that you will not notice any of the warning indications listed above. The length of time between emptyings will be determined by the size of your septic tank and the number of individuals that use it. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, septic tanks should be drained every 3-5 years at the absolute least.

The following parameters will be taken into consideration when determining the optimum emptying intervals for your tank:

Typical household characteristics include: size of the septic tank, amount of wastewater generated, and volume of solid waste.

If you’ve recently purchased a property that has a septic tank, be careful to inquire as to whether the previous owners had a maintenance routine. Alternatively, you might simply inquire as to when they last had the tank drained so that you have a general notion. If you do not have access to this information, it is preferable to err on the side of caution and get it emptied as soon as possible. This will leave you in a fresh frame of mind and provide a fresh start for your own personal routine.

It will keep the tank working smoothly, preventing any major problems from developing in the long term.

Otherwise, you may find yourself in the middle of a serious crisis with a major mess on your hands and everywhere else.

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How to identify septic tank problems and know it’s still working well

There are a variety of reasons why you would be interested in the condition of your septic tank. For starters, septic system components are expensive, so you want to keep your system in good working order to ensure that it lasts as long as possible. Added to that, because septic tanks and drain fields are typically buried beneath the earth, it is easy to have a potentially costly problem with the system without being aware of it. Throughout this post, we’ll go over how to determine whether or not your septic tank is in good working order.

The age of the septic tank (old = more problems)

Septic systems are not designed to endure indefinitely. In fact, the government expects you to replace any septic system that is more than ten years old or in need of repair. Traditional septic systems, on the other hand, are only expected to survive for 25-30 years before they must be replaced. So, before you look for any additional signs, find out how old the septic system is before you begin your investigation. Knowing the age of your septic tank can assist you in determining the appropriate maintenance procedures to perform.

Simply said, the government takes pollution very seriously, and if your tank is more than three decades old, the government will likely begin to consider the possibility of pollution caused by your system, and will conduct inspections to seek for evidence of this pollution.

The pumping schedules

The likelihood that your septic tank hasn’t been pumped in a while increases the likelihood that you are sitting on a ticking time bomb. This is especially true if you have a large amount of water use in your home. It is recommended that you pump your tank every 2-5 years, depending on your province. The frequency of pumping necessary in each province is listed in the table below.

Province	Recommended Septic tank pumping frequency
Ontario	2 years
Quebec	2 years
Nova Scotia	3-5 years
New Brunswick	2-3 years
Manitoba	3 years
British Columbia	3-5 years
Prince Edward Island	3 years
Saskatchewan	3-5 years
Alberta	3-5 years
Newfoundland and Labrador	2-4 years

You should have a written pumping schedule in place to eliminate any possibility of confusion. This will allow you to determine how long it has been since your tank was pumped and when the next pumping is necessary.

Signs of leaks

Leaks can occur as a result of a failing septic tank. The unfortunate reality is that some of these leaks are pretty subtle, and the majority of individuals will not even be aware that they have a problem. Checking the liquid level in your tank might help you determine whether or not you have a leak. The liquid level in the tank should be 8-12 inches below the tank’s rim, at the very least. It is possible that a minor leak in a tank will go undiscovered. Water will be used on a consistent basis throughout the home, which means that the septic tank will continue to fill with new wastewater.

A leaky tank is more likely to be detected if you observe that a region of your yard has much greener grass in comparison to the rest of the yard.

There are two basic reasons why leaks occur.

Second, it is possible that the leaks are the consequence of a clogged drain field.

If this is the case, you may fix the problem by introducing billions of bacteria into the system with the aid of biological additives. This should allow the bacteria to digest the organic waste that has accumulated in the system, allowing it to return to its normal operating condition.

Smelling something bad? Another septic tank problem

In the anaerobic bacteria’s digestion of organic waste, septic smells are produced as a consequence of the process. The gases emitted during this process include hydrogen sulfide, which has a rotten-egg stench and is toxic to humans. Methane and carbon dioxide are examples of other gases. Septic tanks are designed to keep these odors contained inside the system, so they shouldn’t seep into the house or even the yard if the system is operating correctly. Venting is generally sufficient to prevent unpleasant scents from entering the dwelling.

This indicates that the plumbing vent has failed if you hear gurgling sounds coming from your toilet, sink, or bathtub.

Other than failing vents, smells can be caused by wastewater that is backing up as a consequence of a clogged drain field or a fully-loaded septic tank, among other things.

Signs of pollution

It is possible for contamination to occur when a septic tank malfunctions. Some septic tank owners may be completely unaware of the failure and only become aware of it if there is apparent damage to their tanks. When a septic tank is not working correctly, it will not be able to effectively treat the wastewater. In other words, pathogens will not be properly eliminated from the wastewater as a result. It is possible that toxins will enter water if the failed septic tank is located near a water source, resulting in contamination of drinking water.

Wastewater also contains a significant amount of nitrogen, primarily from urine, and if the nitrogen and phosphorus are not adequately handled, the nitrogen and phosphorus can contribute to nutrient contamination of lakes, rivers, and other water bodies.

If you reside near a big body of water and detect an algal bloom, this might be a sign of nutrient contamination in the water.

Testing your system is a good way to see if you have a problem with your septic tank

The quickest and most accurate approach to determine whether or not your septic system is still functioning properly is to conduct a non-intrusive test utilizing ourtracer dye tablets. All that is required is that you flush the pills down the toilet and wait for up to 2 days. It is possible that the pills may disintegrate in the water and that you will observe an unusually bright green tint surrounding the drain field, if your septic tank is not functioning properly.

Conclusion

All septic systems are subjected to stress as a result of normal use, and there is no septic tank that can be relied upon indefinitely. Being plagued by glitches now and then doesn’t necessary imply that your system has to be replaced entirely. Sometimes, a simple shock therapy is all that is required to return the system to normal operation.

In addition, every septic system owner is responsible for the proper maintenance of their system. Septic systems that are properly cared for and maintained will last for years without failing or generating any difficulties.